In a major move toward regional integration, 39 African countries have joined the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), an African Union (AU) initiative aimed at transforming air travel across the continent. Outgoing AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, Amani Abou-Zeid, announced this milestone during a press conference at the AU Summit in Addis Ababa on Sunday.
Abou-Zeid called SAATM a “backbone” for Africa’s integration, particularly in supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and improving the movement of people and goods. “Today, 39 African countries, representing about one billion people, are part of the single African air transport market,” she said. “This will cut travel costs and waiting times by nearly 20%, making air travel more affordable and accessible for millions.”
SAATM creates a unified air transport market, allowing airlines from member states to operate freely across borders. This will increase competition, improve connectivity, and lower prices, boosting trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. The initiative is a key part of the AU’s Agenda 2063, a plan for Africa’s economic and social transformation.
Abou-Zeid also highlighted the AU’s approval of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production from renewable sources. SAF, a cleaner alternative to traditional jet fuel, can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60% to 100%, marking a significant step toward greener aviation in Africa.
In addition, the AU is advancing its energy sector with a focus on sustainability and market integration. Abou-Zeid shared that the AU has launched a Green Hydrogen Strategy and Action Plan to position Africa as a leader in the global green hydrogen market. Green hydrogen, made using renewable energy, is a key solution for reducing carbon emissions in industries like transportation, manufacturing, and agriculture. The strategy outlines policies and technical steps to build a competitive green hydrogen sector, which will strengthen energy security, boost trade within Africa, and expand global exports.
Abou-Zeid stressed that these efforts show Africa’s commitment to integration, economic growth, and sustainability. “SAATM will open new opportunities for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange by making air travel easier and cheaper,” she said. “At the same time, our focus on sustainable aviation fuel and green hydrogen highlights Africa’s role in the global shift to a low-carbon economy.”
With 39 countries now part of SAATM, the initiative is set to transform Africa’s aviation industry and drive economic growth and integration across the continent.